Ski Boat Forum

Repairs and Maintenance => Engine Repair/Maintenance - All Ski Boats => Topic started by: wolfpack1 on August 09, 2011, 09:18:00 PM

Title: Engine cranks but won't start.
Post by: wolfpack1 on August 09, 2011, 09:18:00 PM

I have an 88' Advance and it has been in storage for the last two years. I recently un-winterized it and found that the starter was bad. I replaced the starter with an ARCO 70201 CCW stater. The engine cranks but won't start.  I noticed the crank pulley was turning CCW (front of engine). Is this correct?  I thought is should be turning CW.

Title: Re: Engine cranks but won't start.
Post by: Mike Harry on August 10, 2011, 08:10:15 AM

http://velvet1.homeip.net:8080/~amskier/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=go5220tn73o4br4uk28nfbalq4&topic=147.0 (http://velvet1.homeip.net:8080/~amskier/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=go5220tn73o4br4uk28nfbalq4&topic=147.0)

Please read this post to answer rotation question.

Fuel or Spark would be the first things to check. Spray a little starter fluid in the carb, if the engine hits...... its a fuel problem of some sort. Then either take out a spark plug and touch it to ground as someone is turning the engine over, or get yourself a fancy little tool they sell at the parts house that you plug onto the spark plug while still in engine and into the wire on the other side (a light in series, pretty neat little tool) and crank over. If you see light or lightning, you have spark, if not thats probly what you need to look at next.

If it were me, my first guess would be points....... then I would replace them with an electronic ignition........ you wouldnt be sorry.

If its not getting fuel, id say check your fuel filter, float may be stuck in carb, fuel pump isnt working (most unlikely) but easy enough you can pull fuel line off carb and turn engine over..... if shes pumping youll know right away.

Just a few thoughts

Title: Re: Engine cranks but won't start.
Post by: RonT on August 10, 2011, 08:14:37 AM

Question # 1 is your starter a bottom mount or top mount??

Title: Re: Engine cranks but won't start.
Post by: wolfpack1 on August 10, 2011, 10:06:03 AM

Thank you all for the quick relply.

I will check for fuel and spark this evening.

The starter is a bottom mount.

Title: Re: Engine cranks but won't start.
Post by: Mike Harry on August 10, 2011, 10:51:42 AM

If your going to stop bye the parts house, get some starter spary and one of those tools if they have one in stock, shouldnt be more than $20 for all of it. This should tell you where your problem lies and which direction to head toward.

Title: Re: Engine cranks but won't start.
Post by: RonT on August 10, 2011, 12:55:59 PM

Wrong starter, an ARCO 70201 is a CCW starter for reverse rotation engines, you need the CW starter, the old style #70110 (direct drive) or the replacement 70200 (gear reduction) American Skiers are "Marine Left Hand" or CCW as viewed from the rear, or CW as viewed from the front AKA std. automotive rotation. 

Title: Re: Engine cranks but won't start.
Post by: Mike Harry on August 10, 2011, 12:58:25 PM

Nice call Ron!

Title: Re: Engine cranks but won't start.
Post by: Joel on August 10, 2011, 07:40:51 PM

Isnt it nice just having Ron hanging around...    ;D   All those other issues may come into play anyway if she's been sitting for two years, although I gotta say mine starts up like a champ after sitting for 7 months with no issues... KNOCK ON WOOD THROTTLE HANDLE  :)   Absolutely love these boats!!!

Title: Re: Engine cranks but won't start.
Post by: wolfpack1 on August 10, 2011, 08:35:42 PM

Thank you everyone for the valuable information and insight! I ordered the Arco 70201 starter this past Monday and thought CCW rotation engine, therefore CCW rotation starter. Thinking about it now it only makes sense that its opposite. This is one of those mistakes you will never forget. I ordered the Arco 70200 CW starter this afternoon and it should be here by Friday. I am planning on having the boat on the water by Saturday and will keep everyone posted. Thanks again.

Title: Re: Engine cranks but won't start.
Post by: Joel on August 11, 2011, 09:55:44 AM

Not a mistake any of us wouldnt/couldnt make... besides maybe Ron...   ;D   Welcome aboard!!!